Prepare for Dental School
Pre-Dental
Gain the foundational knowledge for dental school admission.
Pre-Professional Program in Dentistry
The pre-dental advising track is not a major — it is a specialized advising path available to students in any academic program at the University of Lynchburg who plan to apply to dental school. Dental programs expect strong preparation in biology, chemistry, physics, and social sciences, along with substantial shadowing or volunteer experience in dental settings.
This advising track helps you meet those expectations by providing structured guidance on prerequisite coursework, DAT preparation, dental clinical experience, and application timelines. Whether you major in biology with a biomedical science emphasis, chemistry, or another field, the pre-dental advising track ensures you are well-prepared for the competitiveness and rigor of dental school admissions.
You’ll work closely with faculty advisors who understand dental school requirements, the competencies expected of future dentists, and the importance of early planning in creating a strong application.
How to Declare a Pre-Dental Advising Track
To join:
- Contact the Office of Academic Advising.
- Request to declare the Pre-Dental Advising Track.
- You will be assigned a pre-dental faculty advisor for personalized planning.
Declaring ensures you receive support for prerequisite planning, DAT preparation, and dental experience requirements.
Recommended Majors
Students pursuing dental school commonly choose:
Students in other majors can also pursue dental school with careful planning.
Prerequisite Courses for Dental School
Most U.S. dental programs require the following:
Core Science Requirements
- Biology (2 semesters with lab)
- General Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Physics (2 semesters with lab)
Additional Common Requirements
- Biochemistry
- English composition
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Statistics
- Social sciences (varies by institution)
Schools may have additional expectations, such as upper-level biology or specific chemistry electives.
Recommended Lynchburg Courses
Core Courses
- BIOL 113, 114
- CHEM 111, 112, 221, 222
- PHYS 161, 162 or PHYS 141, 142
Additional Recommended Courses
- Vertebrate Anatomy
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Cell & Molecular Biology
Dental schools may also prefer applicants who have taken social science courses such as psychology or sociology.
Clinical Experience Expectations
Dental schools expect:
- Shadowing a licensed dentist
- Volunteer or paid experience in dental clinics
- Participation in community health or dental outreach events
Experiences may include observing procedures, assisting with patient education, or participating in dental public health initiatives.
What Jobs Can I Get With Pre-Dentistry?
Graduates of the pre-dental program typically continue their education in dental school to pursue careers in dentistry. Job titles include:
- General Dentist: $160,000
- Orthodontist: $225,000
- Oral Surgeon: $310,000
- Pediatric Dentist: $200,000
- Periodontist: $210,000
- Prosthodontist: $220,000
- Endodontist: $235,000
- Dental Hygienist: $76,000
- Dental Assistant: $42,000
- Dental Lab Technician: $44,000
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
As a Lynchburg pre-dental student, you'll:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of biological and chemical principles.
Develop practical skills through laboratory work and clinical experiences.
Receive personalized advising to prepare for dental school applications.
Participate in volunteer work or internships in dental settings.
Prepare for the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
Understand the dental school application process, including mandatory shadowing hours and recommendation letters.
“I was looking for a place that had more involved professor-student relationships. I think the fact that I’m still in contact with some of my professors speaks volumes about the school. They really wanted me to succeed and would do nearly anything to help me."
- Claire Flynn ’19
